Letters and spelling

Words with fore: a prefix vocabulary list

This list collects everyday words built on the prefix fore, which signals something that comes before or in front. It works well for vocabulary units on prefixes, reading comprehension practice, or anyone curious why forecast and forehead share a common piece. Read each word aloud and notice the shared beginning.

28 words
WordMeaningIn a sentenceSave
forearmnounThe part of the arm between the elbow and the wrist.He flexed his forearm to show off the muscle he had built from months of training.
forecastnounA prediction or estimate of future events, especially relating to weather or economic trends.The forecast called for heavy snow across the region by Friday morning.
forecastlenounThe upper deck of a ship at the bow, forward of the foremast, or the crew's living quarters located there.Sailors gathered on the forecastle to watch the coastline come into view.
forefathernounAn ancestor, especially one regarded as a founder of a family, nation, or tradition.The nation's forefathers drafted a constitution that still governs the country today.
forefingernounThe finger next to the thumb, used for pointing.He pressed his forefinger against the map to show exactly where the town was.
forefrontnounThe most important, prominent, or advanced position in a field or activity.Her research kept the lab at the forefront of cancer treatment.
foregoverbTo choose to go without something, especially something desirable or expected.They decided to forego dessert to save room for a late dinner.
foregoneadjectiveAlready decided or determined in advance, before the actual outcome occurs.With such a strong lead, the election result seemed like a foregone conclusion.
foregroundnounThe part of a scene, picture, or view that is nearest to and most noticeable by the observer.In the painting, a small red boat sits in the foreground of the harbor scene.
forehandnounA stroke in tennis or a similar sport made with the palm of the hand facing the direction of the swing.She won the point with a powerful forehand hit down the line.
foreheadnounThe part of the face above the eyebrows and below the hairline.Sweat trickled down his forehead as he finished the final mile of the race.
foreknowledgenounKnowledge or awareness of something before it happens or is generally known.The detective's foreknowledge of the suspect's habits helped predict his next move.
forelegnounOne of the front legs of a four-legged animal.The horse favored its right foreleg after landing awkwardly over the jump.
foremannounA worker who supervises a team of laborers, especially on a construction site or in a factory.The foreman inspected the scaffolding before allowing the crew to begin work.
foremostadjectiveMost important, prominent, or first in position, rank, or influence within a group.She is considered one of the foremost experts in marine biology today.
forenamenounA person's first name, given before their family name.On the official form, applicants must list their forename before their surname.
forenoonnounThe period of time between morning and noon.The ship was scheduled to depart the harbor sometime in the forenoon.
forerunnernounA person or thing that precedes and indicates the approach of another, especially as an early form or predecessor.The telegraph is often called the forerunner of modern telecommunications.
foreseeverbTo be aware of or predict something before it happens.No one could have foreseen how quickly the small startup would grow into a global company.
foreseeableadjectiveAble to be predicted or anticipated as likely to happen.Prices are expected to remain stable for the foreseeable future.
foreshadowverbTo give an early sign or warning of something that will happen later, especially in a story.The dark clouds gathering on the horizon foreshadowed the storm that would hit by nightfall.
foresightnounThe ability to predict or plan wisely for future events or needs.Thanks to her foresight, the company had already prepared for the supply shortage.
forestallverbTo prevent an event or action by taking action in advance.The company forestalled criticism by publishing its safety report before reporters could ask questions.
foretastenounA small sample or experience of something that will happen more fully later.The warm afternoon gave us a foretaste of the summer heat that was still weeks away.
foretellverbTo predict or announce that something will happen in the future.The old fisherman claimed he could foretell a storm just by watching the clouds.
forethoughtnounCareful thinking and planning about future needs or consequences before acting.With some forethought, they packed extra water in case the hike took longer than planned.
forewarnverbTo warn someone about a danger or problem before it happens.The guide forewarned hikers that the trail would be icy near the summit.
forewordnounA short introduction to a book, often written by someone other than the author.The foreword explained why the author decided to write about her grandmother's village.

What does the prefix fore mean

Fore comes from an old word for front or before, and it still carries that sense in modern English. In forecast and foresee, fore signals something happening ahead of time; in forehead and forearm, it points to the front part of the body. Noticing the prefix helps learners predict meaning even when they meet an unfamiliar fore word.

Frequently asked questions

What does the prefix fore mean in these words?

Fore generally means before, in front of, or ahead, as seen in words like forecast, forehead, and foresee.